We’ve had some exciting new stories published recently by both established and fresh authors that will appeal to young minds and have them begging for the next book in the series. And let’s face it, we want kids to be desperate to read more because school readers are not always very exciting! These books are all highly illustrated with fun, engaging stories that should appeal to energetic young minds.

Ratbags Book 1: Naughty for Good by Tim Harris & Shiloh Gordon (illus)

Rats are mischievous, rule-breaking, ratbags: all except one. Jigsaw is a rule loving, well-behaved rat, that is until he meets two of the worst behaved ratbags ever. Together, the three of them pull off a stupendous pizza heist. Jigsaw discovers that he really loves pizza, but will his desire for it turn him into a ratbag too, or will he become naughty for a good cause? The second book in the Ratbag series, Midnight Mischief, arrives in May, with two more, Best of Pests and Take Flight, coming later in 2023. This is a funny series by the author of the Mr Bambuckle's Remarkables series that will have readers aged 6 and up desperate for more.

The Wish Sisters: The Party Wish by Allison Rushby & Karen Blair (illus)

Flick has a baby little sister who has a special power – she can make your wishes come true! Her sister Birdie wished for a unicorn party in the backyard and now it has magically appeared, complete with a super slide and a real live unicorn that poops cupcakes. But their nosy neighbour, Mrs Mortlake, has become very suspicious. Will she shut down their fabulous unicorn party?

This is the first in a fun, magical series about sisters with book 2, The Big Wish, already available, and two more, The Running Wish and The Pet Wish, coming in July. Perfect for young readers who like family and friendship stories aged 6 and up.

Secret Agent Mole Book 1: Goldfish-Finger by James Foley

Max is a mole; a mole on a serious mission. With the help of his friends, Helen Hippo and June Bug, he will attempt to stop the evil Goldfish-Finger from stealing a priceless, solid gold fish finger. This is a dangerous, top-secret mission that will take everything they’ve got – and more.

This is a silly, funny, highly illustrated book and the first in a series for ages 7 and up.

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The Isabelle Stories 1: Izzy and Belle by Jane Godwin & Robin Cowcher (illus)

These four stories about Isabelle and her family, and the children in her classroom at school, are an utter delight. Isabelle's world is turned on its axis when she discovers there's a new girl in her class with almost exactly the same name. Isabelle shows her around, makes her feel comfortable in class, and begins a new friendship.

Negotiating the challenges of life and school are at the core of these delightful stories for ages 7 and up. The second collection of stories, focused on Isabelle’s friend Harry, called Hurry up, Harry!, will come out later this year.

The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris (illus)

This hilarious and wacky graphic novel revolves around the destruction of the moon by extragalactic rats, who are slowly nibbling it away to nothing. Cue our cat hero, ‘Meow’, who along with a stowaway robot and the Queen of the Moon, must defeat the multi-headed Rat King and save the moon. Spoiler alert: they do! And then they get to celebrate with a massive pizza party!

This is the first in a graphic novel series by picture book author Mac Barnett that is fun, silly and beautifully illustrated. For ages 8 and up.

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Detective Gordon: A Case with a Bang by Ulf Nilsson & Gitte Spee (illus)

The latest in the Detective Gordon mystery series for junior readers is a heartwarming adventure in the forest that also features lashings of cake! When Detective Buffy discovers a giant creature in the forest, she must overcome her fear and learn how to communicate with it to find out why it’s there. Anthropormophised animals, a woodland setting, and a dry sense of humour are the keynotes of this delightful series that also features delicious snacks.

Each book can be read as a stand-alone but if you want to go back to the beginning, it's Detective Gordon: The First Case. A charming detective series for ages 7 and up.

The Moon is a Ball: Stories of Panda and Squirrel by Ed Franck & Thé Tjong-Khing (illus)

This book is not a series, but I couldn’t leave out this gorgeous new book in translation from Belgium author, Ed Franck. It’s a collection of stories about an unusual friendship between two very different animals. Panda and Squirrel do everything together: lie on the rocks to look at the moon, take walks, play games. Sometimes they argue, but they always make up again. The stunning illustrations from Thé Tjong-Khing, nomination for the Hans Christian Andersen Award, really make this book an utterly unique experience. For ages 5 and up.